we go over the so-called fiscal cliff. and massive government spending cuts. >> and some people fear going off of the cliff could cost thousands of jobs and push our fragile economy back in recession. it seems like we have been down this road before. that deal according to the president and congressional republicans is far from a sure thing. the president said it was a so-called balanced approach to solve this crisis and what he proposed this week was a classic bait and switch on the american people. >> it is unacceptable for republicans to hold middle class tax hostage because they refuse to let them go up on the wealthiest americans. >> people saying that the deal he offered doesn't look like a deal. steve is live in the washington bureau. is there any movement on either side. >> not much. a few republicans who are willing to talk about higher tax rev news but not higher tax rates. the president made a direct appeal to the public. the toy factory in pin pen. he urged congress to pass a bill and extend the era tax cuts fo